Sons of Norway dinner is Sunday

Lutefisk and lefse... ya, sure, ya betcha! Only one lutefisk dinner is now served annually to the public in Kootenai County and that one time is coming up Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. in Post Falls.

Sons of Norway members, who are sponsoring the event, are at work preparing meatballs, lefse and sandbakkels for this meal served family style at the Independent Order of Oddfellows Hall, 200 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls.

Both lutefisk and lefse are traditional Norwegian foods but each has evolved over time. The lutefisk, made from cod and recalled by many as extremely pungent, no longer fills a room with its distinctive odor. The manner of preparation has changed so that the smell is greatly reduced. In any case, the fish for this meal is prepared separately in a trailer and brought into the hall due to insufficient stove room for all items being prepared.

Lefse, an original type of flatbread made for centuries from potatoes, butter, cream and flour, was once baked over an open fire or on a griddle over a wood stove.

Today most lefse bakers use an electric griddle. Some prefer instant potatoes because results are more predictable, but Harald Haarfager Lodge, in Coeur d'Alene since 1910, makes theirs from chilled, riced potatoes.

Both lutefisk and lefse will be served Saturday with the dinner and will also be available for sale.

Last year, 80 members and guests were served.

The meal also includes meatballs, potatoes, carrots, pickled beets, and sandbakkels with ice cream.

Reservations are required by Wednesday. Contact D. Jacobson, 277-6731 or G. Tester, 765-4711 to be added to the list.